I sat with my head in my hands, whole body trembling from the aftermath of agony I'd endured. I was sure if I tried to move or speak I'd shatter into a million, bite sized Syd pieces.

The world went on around me, Theridialis chattering with great excitement.

"Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Have you ever felt anything like it, Haralthazar?" Dad must have answered to the negative because Theridialis went on. "Nor I, my friend. A living entity whose sole purpose is to ...